We are preparing to begin the process of polishing our 63 Ambassador. Unfortunately, each winter the previous owner taped a tarp completely around the exterior to keep out the wind and did not remove the tape. So, now we have a beautiful Airstream with a line of tape around the middle. The tape is so old and cracked it will not budge. I have tried Oops, Goop, graffiti remover, Lacquer thinner, paint thinner, heat gun, lighter fluid, nothing works. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Someone mentioned Acetone but I'm afraid to use it. Please help!!!

Detailed Description The 3M Stripe Off Wheel is designed to work with common drills for highly efficient removal of thermoplastic adhesives and films such as automotive stripes, decals and molding. Stripe Off Wheel removals may be made without damage to paint, glass and many metal substrates.

__________________

__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry

Wow, it sounds like you have tried almost every solvent including it the kitchen sink to remove your problem adheasive residual gunk.

I can think of only two other solvents you might try. Old fashisoned kerosene can work wonders on cleaning up new ploy-adheasives. After that try MEK, methonal eatheal keytone, a great solvent, but use latex golves to protect yourself

KeithC,
The tape residue will come off with a great deal of scrubbing but we are really having a hard time getting the actual tape removed. The chemicals we have used will not penetrate the plastic coating on the front side of the tape. At this point I'm up for trying anything.

Try WD 40 - that stuff will soften about any adhesive. Douse a spot, leave it alone for 10 minutes and wipe with paper towels. Work from the edges toward the center.

Paula Ford

I strongly second the nomination of trying WD-40. Sometimes it is miraculous in what it will remove.

Although it is not necessarily appropriate for this thread, I will mention that WD-40 is a great "polish" for brushed stainless (like rockguards). Spray a little on and wipe around and off. Not my idea, we were told about it by a refrigerator repairman when discussing the brushed stainless finish on kitchen appliances. Just make sure you rub it off to a dry condition (paper towels work great).

Although it is not necessarily appropriate for this thread, I will mention that WD-40 is a great "polish" for brushed stainless (like rockguards). Spray a little on and wipe around and off. Not my idea, we were told about it by a refrigerator repairman when discussing the brushed stainless finish on kitchen appliances. Just make sure you rub it off to a dry condition (paper towels work great).

Sounds as if you've tried most common hydrocarbon solvents. If the more powerful ones mentioned (and perhaps Goof Off - try a painter's supply store) don't work, you might give ordinary water a try, as it will dissolve many things that hydrocarbon solvents won't ... add a few drops of dish detergent to give it lower surface tension.

We are preparing to begin the process of polishing our 63 Ambassador. Unfortunately, each winter the previous owner taped a tarp completely around the exterior to keep out the wind and did not remove the tape. So, now we have a beautiful Airstream with a line of tape around the middle. The tape is so old and cracked it will not budge. I have tried Oops, Goop, graffiti remover, Lacquer thinner, paint thinner, heat gun, lighter fluid, nothing works. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Someone mentioned Acetone but I'm afraid to use it. Please help!!!

Thanks,
63silver

63silver... Try Goo Gone by Magic American Corp, Clevland, OH. You should be able to pick it up at any hardware store.